Darkness.

It's dark. And cold.

I can't feel anything. I don't even know if my body even still exists. Hell, I don't even know if I'm actually still alive. Maybe this is what happens after death—a lonely void filled with nothing but your own thoughts. But that can't be right. There's something far away that lets me know that I'm alive. Somewhat.

I somehow intuitively understand that my body was broken beyond repair when the water crashed down on me. I don't know what happened next, but I'm laying horizontally, floating in a small space created only by my thoughts, a telekinetic bubble. But it's so much more than that. This ancient power augments it—it's more like a healing forcefield, slowly reconstructing my body.

Time has ceased to matter. I don't know how long I've been here. Or whether it's day or night; raining, snowing, or sunny—regardless, it's all the same for me. Damp. Dark. Cold.

My telepathy hasn't faltered though. I can still hear voices, stray thoughts that somehow find their way down to my mind. Fleeting thoughts of a family fishing, kids swimming, adults enjoying their time alone. But I can never talk back, never call out to them. All I can do is lay here in my prison of sorts and listen to the world pass me by.

The only thing I have here is this power...the ancient, unbridled power that helped me save my friends...no, my family, and Scott. But what exactly is it? I still haven't been able to figure it out. It continues to elude me. All I can feel is burning intensity...passion and power. Something eternal and hungry. It's here, but then again, I feel that it's elsewhere, executing some primal desire to live and be free. But maybe I'm imagining things, which is easy to do these days.

I imagine that soon, my body will be healed. And after that, I will find my family again.

Oh, the children, they will be glad to have their teacher back. All of the smiling faces: Kitty, Jubilee, Monet, Rusty, and Theresa.

Ororo, I'll be back to take long walks and talk about things that sisters talk about.

Logan, I'll be there to tame the wild side of you as we continue on our endeavor to understand each other.

Rogue, I didn't get the chance to talk with you as much as I would've liked, but that will change.

Bobby, somehow, I know you're growing up fast, fighting alongside of your new family for what's right.

Kurt, you were quite the mysterious one, but sincere and kind. Soon, we'll break through the barriers in your mind and help you find yourself.

Professor Xavier, my second father, I'm so sorry. Soon though, you'll see my sacrifice was not in vain.

Just wait, X-Men, I'll be home soon. Scott, will you be there with open arms?